Mixed Reactions as Ruto Clears Mukami Kimathi's Hospital Bill

DP Rigathi Gachagua and Mukami Kimathi (far right) at a hospital in Nairobi on January 15, 2023..jpg
DP Rigathi Gachagua and Mukami Kimathi (far right) at a hospital in Nairobi on January 15, 2023.
DPPS

President William Ruto has cleared a Ksh1.3 million bill accrued by Mukami Kimathi, the wife of freedom fighter Dedan Kimathi, which led to her detention in a Nairobi hospital.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Sunday, January 15, revealed that his boss had come to Mukami's rescue after she made an appeal.

Gachagua paid the Field Marshall a visit in the hospital shortly after attending a thanksgiving service in Bomet County. 

DP Rigathi Gachagua and Mukami Kimathi (far right) at a hospital in Nairobi on January 15, 2023. (1).jpg
DP Rigathi Gachagua interacts with Mukami Kimathi (far right) at a hospital in Nairobi on January 15, 2023.
DPPS

"Thank you, President William Ruto, for coming through for Mukami Kimathi and her family. You are a true and genuine friend of our people," the DP wrote.

While addressing the press, he reiterated that the government would make plans with Kenyan families who benefited from land acquired through collaboration with colonialists to settle freedom fighters.

"This engagement will be discreet the same way our fathers and mothers planned on how to drive colonialists off our land with only a panga and sheer resolve to attain freedom,” he stated.

However, as Kenyans marveled at the gesture by the state, they had a number of demands including former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commissioner (IEBC) commissioner, Roselyn Akombe.

"Thank you for coming through to cover the medical bills. While we are on this topic, could the government also disclose where the remains of Dedan Kimathi are so he can get the heroic respect he deserves?" Akombe posed.

Her query was reiterated by a number of Kenyans who called for Gachagua to grant Mukami's long-time wish - to bury her husband before she passes on.

On the other hand, pressure was mounted on the DP to lobby the British government to ensure that freedom fighters are compensated for atrocities committed during the colonial era.

"Perhaps you should help widows of freedom fighters pursue their case with 10 Downing Street (the official residence of the United Kingdom Prime Minister)," another tweep wrote. 

On the other hand, Kenyans frowned upon the decision stating that previous governments had spent millions on freedom fighters and their survivors.

Meanwhile, Kenyans called on the second-in-command to ensure that the healthcare system across the country is improved.

Gachagua reiterated that President Ruto is determined to make available medical insurance to cover everyone as per the Kenya Kwanza Plan.

Undated photo of Dedan Kimathi's widow Mukami Kimathi
Undated photo of Dedan Kimathi's widow Mukami Kimathi
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Dedan Kimathi Foundation
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